Oakland County Receives Grant To Reduce Obesity

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. – Oakland County is slated to receive over $70,000 in funding to help eradicate obesity through healthy eating and the promotion of exercise.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently awarded $300,000 in grants to five local health departments throughout the state to implement Michigan’s Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan. The grant program supports evidence-based strategies to increase healthy eating and physical activity with a focus on the prevention of obesity.

MDHHS awarded grants to the following local health departments:

• Berrien County Health Department - $82,000
• Kent County Health Department - $89,061
• Oakland County Health Department - $73,084
• Lenawee County Health Department - $35,855
• Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians - $20,000

The grant awards will assist these agencies in creating healthy environments in communities, workplaces, parks and other public settings. Funding will focus on expanding access to healthy food and safe places for physical activity, especially for those who are disproportionately affected by poor health status and obesity.

MDHHS is committed to building the capacity of communities to improve population health and promote quality of life. These awards help carry out the department’s vision to develop and encourage measurable health, safety and self-sufficiency outcomes that reduce and prevent risks, promote equity, foster healthy habits and improve the lives of Michigan families.

For more information about the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan, visit Michigan.gov/healthymichigan.

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